Retailers rely on their storefront aesthetics to help draw in potential customers. A clean presentable storefront represents your business and window displays are a marketing tool to draw attention to your merchandise. Fixed security bars obstruct windows and are potentially uninviting to many passer-bys.
That being said, implementing security measures is crucial today. Crime is unpredictable and unfortunately the efforts put in to entice potential customers, may also draw attention from opportunistic thieves to target the store for a smash and grab burglary. Thieves see retail stores as easy targets; they are closed for extensive times during the night and sometimes for entire weekends, creating perfect opportunities for them.
The weakest point to any business is the glass windows and doors. Thieves know this, and with little effort and without special tools they will break the windows glass or doors to gain entry and quickly grab as much as possible, leaving the premises before anyone can stop them. See for yourself: Start at a potential break-in point, set your watch for two minutes and quickly walk around your store. See how much ground you can cover. You’ll be surprised how much area a burglar can cover in such a short amount of time. Stop opportunistic thieves by layering a variety of security solutions.
The three most common security solutions:
1. Alarm systems
A good quality alarm system in an important part in securing a retail store. Alarm systems rely on sensors to trigger the alarm; door sensors commonly mounted on the top of the door will trigger the alarm when to door is opened. However, if your door is made of glass, this sensor will not trigger the alarm if the glass in the door is broken.
Make sure that you implement additional sensors, such as motion detectors that catch movement and glass break sensors. When selecting a good alarm system for your business, ensure the company has good monitoring and a good cellular line rather than hard wired.
Finally, when you’re having your alarm system installed do so near back doors or on back walls and be sure to keep these units out of sight and unknown to any customers and delivery or service providers.
2. Video surveillance systems
High quality or HD cameras and good digital recording devices with wireless features are also very important when securing a retail store.
Mounting cameras in critical areas is important and the ability to record potential incidents may help with insurance issues and assist police with criminal activities. A few key areas to monitor are, complete storefronts, front and back doors, cash register areas, stock rooms, and outdoor monitoring if possible.
3. Physical security gates
Protect your windows and doors and also deter against smash and grab burglary. Physical window and door security should be installed inside of the store; outside mounted products can be tampered with before alarm system is triggered.
The new modern individually mounted scissor style security gates work great as a bold visual and physical barrier to deter opportunistic thieves. The security gates provide security when the store is closed and neatly fold aside when not in use during store operating hours. Other options such as roll down shutters or top track mounted aluminum sliding grilles are also options, but note that they will have mounting requirements, costly installations and service.
No one solution alone can provide a comprehensive security system. By layering security with the above, alarm system, video surveillance system, and physically securing the most vulnerable points of entry (the windows and doors), you can help protect your investment, your business and your peace of mind.
For more tips on layering security, download our 10 Critical Points to Securing your Shop, your Employees, and your Goods eGuide.
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